Underbank Rangers will look to build on a much-improved National Conference League Second Division performance when they travel to Askam tomorrow.

Although head coach Richard Knight’s side have been in stuttering form, they produced a spirited home showing before falling 38-24 to leaders Millom last weekend.

It was only a late Cumbrian rally that took the game away from Rangers.

And Knight knows a similar effort against Askam would be enough to mark a return to winning ways.

“A performance like the one we produced against Millom would have been good enough to have beaten most of the teams in the competition,” said Knight, who featured in that game alongside assistant coach and former Giants full-back Paul Reilly.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t good enough to beat Millom, because they’re a very, very good team. Their discipline is spot-on.

“Obviously, you’re always disappointed to lose games, but there were still far more positives than negatives to come out of this game.

“To be honest, I was proud of the boys, particularly with the way they were so willing to work for each other.

“After a tough spell, that performances has helped lift the spirits of the squad, and they’re looking forward to the long trip to Cumbria this weekend.

“We’ll be keeping changes to a minimum and everyone knows if we play as well against Askam as we did against Millom, then the result will go our way.”

Rangers do, however, make one change, with big Mikey Holmes coming in on the wing to replace Courtney Allette, who has been unable to train this week.

And that means new back-row pair Jon-Lee Sanderson and Christian Summers will have the chance to impress once again.

It was Sanderson’s first Bank appearance and Summers’ second, but they both earned praise for their efforts against Millom.

Knight will also be hoping for the same again from prop Dave Valentine, who made 56 tackles in a man-of-the-match performance, and Kris Harrop, who produced the most carries.